“He also mentioned that he wanted me to meet with the new King of the Miskito when I arrive in August.” Mr. Livingstone looked around the room with an air of importance.
“And did the famous Mr. Stanford say when he would return?” Henry gave his uncle a hard stare as if he didn’t believe anything he said.
“He plans to be in London before the next ship of settlers departs for Pomais.” Mr. White avoided eye contact, choosing to stare down at his hands instead.
“I’ve been thinking, Henry, perhaps you should come to Pomais with us. You could stay a few months and see what we’ve been telling you about.” Lady Heartford pointedly stared at Julia. The matron didn’t want Julia anywhere near her precious son.
“I have responsibilities here, Mother,” Henry replied tightly, the vein in his neck bulging.
“Lord and Lady Hempstead and the Duke of St. Clara,” Dayton announced, earning himself a vexed expression from Julia’s aunt, who entered the room beside her husband.
Livie stood to greet the new arrivals. “Mother, Father, Your Grace, welcome. I believe you all know everyone except Mr. and Mrs. White who are friends of Lady Heartford and Mr. Livingstone.”
Pleasantries were exchanged as her aunt went to sit beside Mother Di, the two of their heads coming together. Julia suppressed a giggle by covering her mouth delicately.
St. Clara stood behind the sofa where she, Pippa, and Lady Wayford sat. He bent down between Julia and Pippa. “Good evening, bird, kitten.”
Pippa ignored him completely, but Julia smiled at her friend. She couldn’t think of him as anything more. A guilty feeling ran through her as her mind filled with that kiss. She knew she should tell him about it, but it didn’t’ mean anything so there was nothing to discuss. It would never happen again, even if he did come to her defense against his cruel mother. “St. Clara, aren’t you fashionably late?”
“Late? Judging by the lack of guests, I would say that I am precisely on time.”
Pippa cut her gaze toward him. “Which means you’re late.”
“Did you miss me, kitten?” His voice was deep and provocative. His tone was so different from what he used with Julia. It was one of hidden intimacy. But they loathed each other, didn’t they?
“The Earl of Windchester and Mr. Elijah Edwards,” Dayton called out formally, even though the two men were staying at Warren House.
“Windchester! Where have you been, old boy?” Mr. Prescott said as Lord Windchester and Mr. Edwards entered the parlor dressed for dinner.
Lord Windchester walked over and greeted Mr. Prescott warmly then pressed a kiss to Mother Di’s cheek. While Mr. Edwards and Windchester were introduced to the other guests, Julia focused on the new arrivals, dismissing the exchange between St. Clara and Pippa.
“Tell us, Mr. Edwards, do you plan to stay in London long?” Mr. Livingstone asked, his cool green eyes inspecting the other man.
“I do plan to stay. Heartford and I have begun searching for offices for our shipping business.” Elijah sounded happy as he glanced over at his friend.
They were a curious pair. It seemed that Mr. Edwards was loyal and kind to his friends, whereas Henry only cared for himself. Or did he? After his display in her bedroom and defending her against his mother, she wondered if she was correct in her assumptions.
“How does one such as yourself plan to acquire such a venture?” Lady Heartford asked rather callously.
“Mother,” Henry growled out, causing Julia’s gaze to once more find him.
He looked as if he was on the verge of breaking something. His gloved hands were fisted by his sides. Julia feared he would break a tooth from the way he clenched his jaw. His once neat hair now looked like a chaotic mess from running his hands through it. The sight made butterflies flutter in her stomach. She had no choice but to look away fearful of what it meant.
“It’s fine, Heartford,” Elijah’s voice was friendly and calm, vastly different from Henry’s reaction to his mother. “I have the funds saved from my years of service in the Royal Navy.”
“I had hoped to contribute half for my share of the business—” Henry started.
“That is not necessary, my friend. Besides, I know where you are staying.” Elijah’s jest caused Henry to relax a little.
His mother gasped loudly. “What do you mean your part of the business? Surely, you can’t be serious. You’re a marquess. You can’t have a profession.”
Julia’s mind swirled at the new information. The Henry she knew three years ago would never have worked for his living. Everything that he was came from his title and he was happy about that.
“Mr. and Mrs. O’Brien and Miss Caitrín McCarthy accompanied by Mr. Lewis and his daughter, Miss Beatrice Lewis,” Dayton announced.
Remington’s friendship with Mr. O’Brien had grown even closer over the years, despite the difference in their social status. Although Mr. O’Brien was heir to a dukedom, he hailed from Ireland and ran an exclusive gentlemen’s club. His wife, Brielle, and Livie had formed a close friendship over the years. They bonded over Brielle’s vast knowledge of childbirth.
Elijah stood abruptly, nearly stumbling in his haste to greet the Nefertiti reincarnate. Julia suppressed a giggle, not sure if Livie was playing her hand at matchmaking or just wanted the man to be more comfortable. Then again, Beatrice often came with Caitrín. It was Mr. Lewis who was the new addition.
